Iran has presented today’s high-stakes nuclear talks between Europe’s E3 trio of France, Germany and United Kingdom as an opportunity for them to “correct” what Tehran considers their flawed and unconstructive approach towards Iran’s nuclear program.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told IRNA in an exclusive interview that the Istanbul meeting represents both a “valuable opportunity” and a “test of realism” for European powers to reassess their positions on Iran’s nuclear rights, and reverse what Tehran considers unjustified pressure tactics. Reuters +11 IRNA +11 AND The Times of Israel.
Iran has repeatedly challenged Europe’s credibility, alleging that European support for U.S. and Israeli military strikes on its nuclear infrastructure in June undermined their legitimacy under the 2015 nuclear deal. Baqaei said Europe no longer possesses moral or legal authority to invoke or extend mechanisms like the UN Security Council “snapback” provision, which could see sanctions re-imposed before October. W. Reuters/ IRNA +10 W Reuters +10
This meeting, confirmed at deputy foreign minister level, marks Iran and E3’s first engagement since their recent conflict. Topics for discussion will include sanctions relief, Iran’s enrichment rights and Europe’s insistence that they relaunch cooperation with IAEA. AP News.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, leading Tehran’s delegation at this year’s General Assemblies in Germany, stressed the country remains open to diplomacy provided it respects its sovereignty. He warned of unilateral snapback sanctions–potentially by August’s end–which would force Iran to consider withdrawing from nonproliferation frameworks including Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). AP News
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European diplomats, meanwhile, are considering offering Iran a limited delay in snapback enforcement; provided it resumes cooperation with the IAEA and addresses concerns over approximately 400 kg of near weapons-grade uranium that remain unaccounted for. TradingView +14 per Reuters.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Baqaei made clear on March 14 that Tehran remains unwilling to negotiate its nuclear policy, with Araqchi noting uranium enrichment is a non-negotiable right under international law, while warning European threats serve only to justify aggression and weaken Iran’s legal standing. Reuters Front Page.
Baqaei also accused European governments of giving in to Israeli pressure, noting how European signatories had supported airstrikes on Iranian territory and thus jeopardized their legal position under UN Resolution 2231. He described European claims for snapback power as lacking both moral and legal justification. IRNA Front Page.
Iran, along with China and Russia, has united to strongly reject any unilateral extensions to JCPOA provisions by Europe. Tehran stressed that any attempt at expanding resolution 2231 would be “baseless and unacceptable.” It reiterated this position during Iran Front Page = IRNA on May 9.
Iran has high stakes at play here: should Europe fail to adjust its position, Tehran has warned of potential responses ranging from suspending cooperation with IAEA and revamping strategic commitments such as maritime and regional security commitments. IRNA +7; Reuters +7 and Financial Times all indicate this possibility as potential responses.
As talks progress in Istanbul, Tehran insists this meeting marks more than just a diplomatic formality; instead it marks a critical turning point. Europe remains inflexible on making concrete changes; Iran will observe and evaluate.